Now that Thanksgiving is over, we can focus on Christmas and New Year’s. Welcome to an edition of “I Was Just Cleaning My Mind and It Went Off.” I promise, no mention of Black Friday.

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Nov. 16 was a sad day in Michigan as weather icon Sonny Eliot and former first lady Helen Milliken died. Eliot made the weather fun and more personal during his time on Detroit television.

Milliken was part of the best Michigan team ever. She and husband William, governor from 1969 to 1982, were a classy and steady pair atop the Michigan political ladder. This is in sharp contrast to much of today’s leadership.

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Upgrades on North and South Main streets in Adrian have been finished. Nice work. The road really sharpens up the look of the shopping section in Adrian.

Speaking of looking good, it is a treat entering Tecumseh from the west on Chicago Boulevard after dark to see it lit up for Christmas. I encourage you to shop locally.

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As exciting and somewhat successful as the 2011 football season in Michigan was, the 2012 season has been a dud. At times, the Detroit Lions have looked good, but often looked lost. Despite the instant results some fans demanded in light of last season’s unexpected success, a step backwards was to be expected as the team adds depth and talent to a good nucleus. More discipline would help, but it looks like they are on the right course.

The major college programs have been a bit disappointing this season. Michigan continues its transition from the Rich Rodriguez-era of bad defense and a lightweight offense to a strong defense and continued lightweight offense. I believe Brady Hoke is restoring the program to its prior excellence.

Michigan State, meanwhile, has shown a stumbling offense and an erratic defense. However, Mark Dantonio is one of the best coaches in the Big 10 and the Spartans will be just fine. Now is not the time to jump ship.

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The high school and college seasons in Lenawee County were outstanding. Congratulations to Jim Deere and his Adrian College Bulldogs for their MIAA championship and playoff berth. It was fun watching the team gel and gain confidence. Across town, Jim Lyall and his Siena Heights Saints have built a solid foundation that will only get better.

As for the high schools, congratulations to the Britton Deerfield Patriots and Tecumseh Indians for getting to the playoff regionals this season, the Clinton Redskins for their undefeated regular season, and the Blissfield Royals for winning their playoff game.

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How long before the first person announces his or her candidacy for president in 2016? I’m betting within the next year, though some have already laid the groundwork (can you say Chris Christie and Paul Ryan?). It will be interesting to see who emerges in the next couple of years and who becomes as irrelevant as Sarah Palin was this election.

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Is it possible to make advances at a retreat?

David Frownfelder is a staff writer for The Daily Telegram. He can be contacted at 265-5111, ext. 258, or via email at frownfelder@lenconnect.com.